Lions Taekwondo AcademyLions TaekwondoAcademy
Meet the Team

Meet the Team

Experience. Leadership. Care.

Experience. Leadership. Care.

Meet the Coaches Who Shape Tomorrow's Leaders

Meet our dedicated team of martial arts instructors! Each member of our staff brings a unique set of skills and a deep passion for martial arts, committed to providing exceptional training and fostering a supportive, empowering community for all our students.

Edward Warzhapetian
  • Over 30 years of martial arts experience
  • Over 25 years of international competition experience as an athlete
  • Over 15 years of international competition experience as a coach
6th Degree Black Belt (Kukkiwon)

Master Edward Warzhapetian

Master Edward began practicing Tae Kwon Do at the age of 11. He earned his first black belt in a year and a half, having shown extreme determination and a gift for the sport. At the age of 14, Master Edward was invited to the Junior National Team for Israel because of his success in tournaments. He competed all over Europe and trained with some of the top Tae Kwon Do fighters in the world.

After coming to the United States, Master Edward wanted to pass on his knowledge to a new generation. In 2003, he started teaching with Grand Master Byun; helping the school grow significantly and introducing Lion's Taekwondo to national and international caliber tournaments. In 2007, Master Edward opened his school with the help of Grand Master Byun and Margrit (Master Edward's sister). In 2009, Master Edward opened a new school in Sherman Oaks California and in 2015 moved it to a much larger location. With hard work and teamwork, Master Edward has been able to coach several State, National, and International Champions.

Certifications

  • 6th Degree certified black belt by Kukkiwon (World Taekwondo Headquarters)
  • Level 2 USA Taekwondo national coach
  • Level 2 World Taekwondo international coach
  • USA Taekwondo certified referee
  • Recognition from Kukkiwon (World Taekwondo Headquarters) for great contribution to the development and popularisation of Taekwondo

International Competition Record as an Athlete

  • 2000 - Toulouse Open and Spain Open
  • 2001 - Belgium Open, Dutch Open, Toulouse Open and Junior European Championships (Pamplona, Spain)
  • 2002 - Dutch Open, German Open and Junior World Championships (Crete, Greece)
  • 2009 and 2010 - US Open
  • 2018 - California State Championship, Paris Open and Israel Open

International Competition Record as a Coach

  • 2010 - US Open (Bronze Medalist)
  • 2012 - Korea Open (Gold Medalist)
  • 2014 - Pan Am Presidents Cup (1 gold and 2 bronze medalists)
  • 2015 - Senior World Championships (R32)
  • 2016 - Olympic Trials (R16)
  • 2017 - US Open (Bronze), Costa Rica Open (Bronze), Pan Am Presidents Cup (1 Gold and 1 fifth place)
  • 2018 - Israel Open (2 bronze medalists)
  • 2019 - US Open (1 Bronze and 1 fifth place), Cadet World Championship (Bronze), Pan Am Presidents Cup (1 Silver and one fifth place)
  • 2020 - US Open (2 Bronze medalists)
  • 2022 - Cadet World Championships (5th place), Junior World Championships (R32), Pan Am Presidents Cup (1 silver and 1 bronze), Cadet European Championships (Bronze)
  • 2023 - Cadet World Championships (5th place), Cadet European Championships (5th place and R32)
  • 2024 - US Open (1 silver and 2 bronze medalists), Junior World Championships (Ninth place)
  • 2025 - US Open (1 gold, 2 silver and 3 bronze medalists), European Championship for Small Countries (1 gold and 1 bronze), Riga Open (2 gold)
Bella Warzhapetian
4th Degree Certified Black Belt

Master Bella Warzhapetian

My taekwondo experience began when my siblings used to bring me along to their training sessions when we were younger. At the time, I was "too young" to be enrolled in classes, so I sat and watched my siblings do their thing on the mats. Around 7 years old, I finally stepped on the mat and began my taekwondo career. I loved it so much I would do all the classes back to back.

As the years went on, I began competing internationally. From winning local tournaments, to becoming the best in the state, all to fighting in the Olympic trials, my journey was quite interesting. I've met many friends, traveled to several countries, and helped raise numerous kids and while bonding over the one thing we all had in common – our love for the sport. Now, I have turned my love for competing into coaching and training the younger generation of athletes to be the best they can be while having a blast doing what they enjoy most.

"Taekwondo isn't just a sport, it's a way of life, it's home!"

Eliza Iryami

Instructor Eliza Iryami

I bring a wealth of experience in martial arts, with 6 years in taekwondo and self-defense, 3 years in karate, and 1 year in Krav Maga. Moreover, with a Master's degree in Health Education and Promotion, currently pursuing studies in Nutrition Coaching, over 5 years of experience in teaching both children and adults in various disciplines, I have honed my skills in empowering individuals to lead healthier lifestyles. I am committed to promoting wellness, self-improvement, and the transformative power of martial arts in enhancing both physical and mental well-being.

My personal mantra: "Taekwondo is a lifestyle. It is a way of living. I have enriched my life as a lifelong taekwondo practitioner. Let taekwondo accompany you, guide you, and penetrate into your blood!"

Mihran Harutyunyan
Black Belt

Instructor Mihran Harutyunyan

I'm a black belt with over 5 years of Taekwondo experience. What started as a simple hobby quickly turned into a life-changing journey. Taekwondo has taught me discipline, confidence, and leadership—lessons I carry into every part of my life. I've been fortunate to train under great instructors, and now I'm proud to help guide the next generation.

One of the things I value most is connecting with students and helping them grow—not just in martial arts, but as individuals. For me, Taekwondo isn't just a sport—it's a way to build character and become your best self.

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Black Belt Instructors

Experienced instructors who guide each student every step of the way

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All Ages Welcome

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Since 1989

1,500+ members and 300+ black belts awarded

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